I have a few customers(names not mentioned to protect their innocence  hehe!) who are fanatical about Halloween.   As I was thinking about projects to inspire them, I knew I wanted to create a banner – and it was so much fun to create.  It's one of those projects where as it comes together, you squeal in delight! 

It was relatively quick and easy.  The base is the is the Perfect Pennants Die.  This is the perfect base for many holiday pennants to come!  Oh, and have you seen and heard about how trendy pennants are right now? 

Check out how stinkin' cute these pennants are!

Here's a couple of cool tips;

• If you look closely, you'll see that the letters have an irridescent quality to them.  I coated each of them with the Smooch peralized top coat.  It's easy – it goes on like nail polish and sure adds a ton to the overall look of the banner
• I used the Spider Web textured embossing folder on 2 of the pennants.  I coated it with a black stamping pad prior to running it through my Big Shot
• The stamp sets I used are Wicked Cool and Out on a Limb – perfect additions to the banner!
• The Designer Series Paper is Frightful Sight.  You'll get some of this paper when you attend the Halloween House Class Sept 29!  There's still room! 

Make sure you check back tomorrow and several times this week – there are COOL projects in store!  Here's the upcoming class list;

• Simply Scored Stamp Camp – Tuesday Sept 20 6:30pm
• Halloween Home Makeover Thursday Sept 29 6:30pm
• Hostess Club October 4,5 6:30pm
• Holiday Card Buffet October 12 9am-12noon

Blessings!

Have you seen the awesome little treat bags in the Holiday mini?  If you missed them, they are a MUST have!   the little 1 x 8 inch bags are so perfect for a little treat!   Check out the bucket of them I have ready for Jesse James Days in Northfield this weekend!

Aren't they cute?  These are filled with a little licorice but, check out what else you could do – and the possibilities don't stop there!  At 50 for $2.50 you'll want to order multiples to have on hand!

The toppers for these fun little (and versatile) bags are so simple.  Just fold over a 4" by 1 3/4" piece of cardstock.  I added a scallop square punch for a little pizzaz and then used the stamp set Batty For You with a 1 1/4" circle punch and there you have it!  Check out the set Batty For You – I have used this set so much for treats for this season!

And if those treats weren't enough. . . .check out what else I made!   A little chocolate, sweet and salt are a woman's friend!

I used the stamp set "Got Treats" for this one.

Pretzel rods covered with caramel, almond bark and some cute sprinkles.  Sorry though these, don't fit in the 1 x 8" bags in the mini catalog! 

I'm up early today for several reasons – I was very excited about clubs this week – several new club members – and oh boy were they happy to be here!   So much fun!!!!   Hostess club was a blast this month – wasn't it girls!   (There's always room for more if you want to get in on the action!).  One of the other reasons is my little buddy Barlow – the poor doggie is back to having seizures.  He has never had more than 1 in a day and none since we started him on medication in May.  Well yesterday he had 2 and he is sure having trouble with arthritis. . . . I'm a little concerned what the future holds.  OK, that's all for now – off to work!   Oh, yes a little update on the job.  It is going well.  Everyone is very nice. . . still learning names but, I'm getting there!

Blessings!

If you haven't heard me say yet – the Holiday Mini is the BOMB!!!!  I mean supercalifigilisticexpgaligocious (?sp!)  It's the bestest!  Customers should be receiving their copy shortly – and if you don't have it by the end of the month, let me know!   There is SOOOO much super duper stuff in there that you are going to need several months just to get it all!  (or have a show – or join my hostess club so that you get lots of opportunities!)

Today's inspiration is actually a Definately Decorative piece that is in that Mini catalog as a Halloween decoration – complete with bats, spiders, "Happy Halloween" and such.  Well, I put up the tree limb portion for now and added a few flowers for a semi fall motif.

It is sized just perfectly to fit on a door.  And boy do I have plans for this tree limb!   Come October, I'll put up the "intended" Halloween vinyl pieces that come with the set.  After Halloween will come some late fall/Thanksgiving decorations.  Of course in December there will be snowflakes and holiday things – how about a stocking hanging from that tree limb (don't you wish we had a stocking die?).   Oh, I think the possibilities will be endless. 

Jim is off to Mayo today (by himself, mind you) for the  year and a half post heart surgery checkup.  A few tests and then the Dr. visit this afternoon.  We think the appointment should go well.  I am back over to my friends in Lakeville (16071 Hyland Ave) for a show.  I'll be doing a demonstration tonight at 7pm – don't miss it! 

Here's a little funny for you. . . last May, I purchased Twins tickets for Sunday's game for Jim and I – a date sort of.  Well, he has made other plans so I told him he should sell the tickets.  Handed him the tickets on Monday night and he promptly lost them.  He has been looking for those tickets for days.  Been through the garbage, cleaned his desk (no small accomplishment) and wracked his brain trying to find them.  Yes, there was even the thought that I didn't really give them to him.  Well, he finally found them this morning after 4 days of looking. . . . do you think this is a sign of age?  So, now we have Twins tickets – and he still doesn't want to go. . . so now to figure out what to do.

I'm sure some of you can relate to this little story. . . and hope it brought a smile to your face.  Enjoy your day – and BLESSINGS! 

Here's a super cute gift box that helpers at my downline meeting today will be receiving. . .  don't you wish you were getting one?

I love this color combination and it features several sneak peaks. . . . can you guess what they are?  Well, here's the ingredients list.  Respond to this post with the 2 things that aren't in the current catalog and let's see if you're right! 

Cardstock and Ink:  Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzaz, So Saffron, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, 2010-2012 In Color Paper Stack

Big Shot:  Fancy Favor Box, Scallop Square Die, Snow Burst Textured Embossing Folder

Stamp Set:  Petite Pairs, Raining Flowers

Accessories;  Brights Collection Buttons, 1/8" Taffeta in Daffodil Delight, Simply Scored, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon, 1 " circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip

That's it – quick post.  Downline on their way here!   Woo Hoo!   Celebrations ahead!

Blessings!

The last 2 days, I have been spending some time to getting ready for my downline meeting.  This is the first meeting with the new catalog – and is also the time where we celebrate last years accomplishments.   I absolutely love celebrating with my team!   It's just the bestest!  I have some surprises, gifts and fun planned! 

Today, I wanted to share one of the table runners I created.  Here I have used it as a centerpiece for one of the tables at my upcoming meeting.

Note the pumpkins have leaves cut out of felt with the leaves #2 die.  This is a must have die for fall!  Here's a close up of the table runner design.

Isn't it pretty?  It totally uses the scallop square die.  I'm certainly not an expert sewer – or even a quilter but, I can do this!  Straight seams work well for me.   Remember that with the Big Shot, you can cut 8 layers of cotton material at a time.  The batting is warm & natural and I can cut 6 layers at a time.  Basically, the cutting is a very important part of the process when quilting (or so I'm told).  Get it wrong and you will have hassles through the whole quilt.  By using the Big Shot, I am assured that each block is the same AND, the cutting takes minutes vs hours because I can cut so many layers at a time!  If you need a few more pics to help you make this cute runner, post a comment with your email and I will send you some pics!   You'll love the ease with which you can create a gorgeous gift or decoration for your home!

Back to my downline celebration.  I am VERY excited!   I know they're going to love the surprises I have planned – I'll try and post some pics this weekend.  If you are interested in learning more about what fun we have, why not join us tomorrow?  9:30am my place.  Send me a quick note that you are coming so that I can include you in on the gifting!

Here's the other good news. . . . I will soon be employed.  Well beyond Stampin' Up! that is.  I accepted a position with Allina Health Systems and will start on August 22.  I am excited.  Today I have been receiving a bunch of emails about classes I need to attend as part of my orientation. . . so it's getting "real!"   I guess my summer crafting vacation is coming to an end!    Thanks everyone who kept me in their thoughts and prayers while I underwent this transition in my life. 

It's about mid-month so, here are a couple of reminders for you;

Special:  Designer Series Paper – buy 3 and get 1 free!   This is a GREAT sale – and a perfect time to have it since we all love at least 4 (or more) of the new DSP's!  

Classes;

• Chicks, Chocolate & Cards – August 15 – next Monday!  6:30pm   Class is ALMOST full so rsvp now!
• Pennant Parade – August 23  6:30pm only   RSVP to assure that your products are available for you!  Choices for this class include;
  • Class only
  • Class with stamp set
  • Class with stamp set and punch

That's about it for today!   Enjoy your weekend!  Blessings to you!

BJ

OK, I am really in the mode of gearing up my displays for upcoming fairs and craft shows because I have another cute project!  First, do you remember last spring when the petal cone die came out and I couldn't leave it alone?  Well, I got it out again. . . .

Isn't Frankie cute!   He was totally inspired by a sample shown at convention.  I think my trick or treaters would love to get their treasures in this little guy!  He's ridiculously cool!

Here's what I used;

• Big Shot;   Petal Cone and Tasteful Trim dies
• Punches;  3/4" circle, 1/2" circle, Round Tab
• Accessories; brads, dimensionals, sticky strip

That's it!  Quick and easy!  I think he'll have to be part of an upcoming Big Shot class!

Just a quickie (post that is) today. . . . I'm off to visit Grandpa and meet my dad today.  For those of you who follow me regularly, you'll remember that last year Grandma turned 100.  I haven't seen her for a few months so, I am excited to take her out for lunch. 

Remember, tell me your stories about making someone's day yesterday – if you share them we all get to smile!

Blessings!

There are those times where you just want to give "a little something" to a special friend.  While the feeling of giving a handmade card is satisfying for me, sometimes that just isn't enough.  Here is a little gift that I made to have on hand to give for such occasions. 

I know that the friend I gave it to squealed in delight!  So of course I made more!  But, the real purpose of my post today is to encourage you to be a day maker. . . . think of someone today that you can give a "little something" to.  It could be words of kindness, a handmade card, a hug or a special little gift like this.  The rewards you'll receive will be long lasting and aren't exactly measureable!

If you want to try making something like this, I started with a sticky note pad and then simply folded cardstock in a size to be slightly bigger than my sticky note stack.  The belly band was just folded around the stack and then embellished with a coordinating felt flower.  Cute huh?  I think this is a great gift for the work setting and just might have to be part of my holiday gift giving class later this fall.  If you don't want to try making, I'll have some with me at the Pierce County Fair this Friday as well as the Five Friends sale in Lakeville next Thursday and Friday! 

Today is a beautiful day here in Minnesota!  It feels a bit like fall.  No humidity for a change!  Yeah!  Off for a quick bike ride and then need to hit the grindstone.  Lots to do in the studio today!  Had a great downline business builder meeting last night!   9 North Starz were here for a light supper and then a My Digital Studio lesson!  Wow – we went through a lot – and had a blast.  Our annual celebration downline meeting is this Saturday – so lots to get ready for!  I love celebrating with these women – such a great group – love them all!

Remember to make someone's day today.   Blessings!

Remember the awesome Halloween Decor class last year?  We ended up having several classes to accomodate everyone?  Well, here's a sneak peak of a Halloween Decor class for this year. . . . .

Isn't it cute?  The stamp set I used is a sneak peak from the Holiday Mini Catalog!  It's called "Out on a Limb".  So, don't delay in RSVP'ing for this class. . . remember last year was a full house!  Thursday, September 29 at 6:30pm. So, reserve the date and check back after Sept 1 to see the details! 

Other Updates!

Whew!  it was a great few days at the fair!  I loved meeting everyone and am excited for new club members, hostesses and class attendees!  Friday of this week I will be at the Pierce County Fair – in the round barn, so come and check it out!   I'll have some new projects – (hint- I received my pre-order products from the Holiday mini!). 

I'm busy putting the last touches on my outline for my MDS (My Digital Studio) class tonight. . . and getting ready for Big Shot class and Downline meeting later this week.   It will be a busy one! 

Have you ordered your ribbon shares yet?  I have group 3 done and am working on group 4, so let me know!  Check them out on my Product Shares page; 

Plus, I'm working on an announcement. . . but, I can't quite tell you the news just yet. . . . Stay tuned though!

Blessings!

I know – this could be rushing it a little but, I wanted a few fall things to inspire my customers at my booths this month.  This decoration was inspired by something I saw at my favorite quilt shop last weekend.  (For those of you who have asked – Bay Windows Quilt Shop in Perham, Minnesota) 

You can make this very simply.  First have your husband cut a scrap piece of 2 x 4 into a square. . . . my wonderful hubby even sanded them a bit for me!    mmmmwahhh!  Then I applied a little stain to the block and let it dry (that took awhile in this humidity!).  Then came the fun part – and it was surprisingly easy!

Here are the supplies you need to gather;

Sizzix;  Serif Essentials alphabet set, Leaves #2, Scallop Squares Duo

Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Quilted ribbon and BIG button from upcoming holiday mini, brads (I used the filigree ones but, the antique brads would look cool too!), embroidery thread and a glue gun

The fabrics I used were scraps I found in my stash – some were woven and one was a knit.  The leaves were cut from felt. 

There is one other element that I wanted to add – and that is a wrapping the edges in some of our new fall fabric – you'll love it from the holiday mini.   But, alas it appears that I forgot to pre-order it!  darn it anyway! 

Well, I hope you enjoyed this bit of inspiration. . . I have another similar project in mind – or actually maybe 2!  So make sure you stay tuned! 

The fair has been good. . . today you'll see Sue at the booth – a day off for me.  I've got a big day planned. . . . first a second job interview (I think they like me!).   Then I am taking a class at the YMCA on making a bird bath type thing – forgot the name of the class but, I am really excited about it.  Then I am going to the Twins game tonight. . . .taking by sis in law, Bevy.  Bevy is my sis in law who recently lost her husband very unexpectedly.  She has never been to the Twins in their new park – nor has she ridden the light rail. . . it will be truly an adventure!   In fact her and I have been on several adventures lately.  She's not truly a home body – but, she's been out more in the last 6 weeks than she has in the last year!   We're working on expanding her horizons!  It will be fun!

Have a great day everyone!  Blessings! 

The theme of this years Stampin' Up! convention was "Grow".  When you think about the word 'grow' many times you think about flowers or things growing in your garden.  And I have to admit – it is one of the things that comes first to my mind as well.  Reflecting about this theme after convention has me thinking about it in a different way and I think you'll enjoy mulling over these thoughts as well. 

• Believe it or not, I didn't use to be confident in my creative and leadership abilities. Nor was I confident that I could run a business.  Stampin' Up! has helped me grow those abilities.  I am certainly a different person today than I was a few years ago.
• While a job loss hasn't been fun, I can celebrate that I have grown through this experience and am trying to use this growth in a positive way.  (Job interview today – say a little prayer!)

To celebrate this growth, I made a "growth" pot for my open house. . . These flowers were inspired (copied) from ones that I saw at convention.  Here's a close up;

They are made using the new 2012-2013 In Colors and the Printed Brads 122940 (love them!).  The die I used is Fun Flowers 121812.

Speaking of flowers and growing. . . . look what was delivered to my house yesterday! 

Aren't they gorgeous!   LOVE THEM!  and I love who sent them. . . . . I included the word "share" on this picture because they came from my downline.  Yes, as I have "grown" , I have invited others to enjoy the many benefits of Stampin' Up! (and I thought I was only going to get a discount!  hehe!).  These flowers symbolize that I have shared the Stampin' Up! opportunity – and that my downline has grown and are appreciative of their growth.  Thanks to the wonderful group of downline that went to convention with me this year and from whom the flowers are from – what a great time we had!  You're the best!

Now if you are imagining that you want what me and my downline have – you can have it right now for a great deal!  For only $99 you can customize your starter kit that has $185 worth of Stampin' Up! merchandise and supplies.  Hurry – this offer ends in just a few days! 

Oh, you want a sweeter deal?   Perfect!  Got that covered. . . . Stampin' Up! will give you and me this awesome Christmas Gift box (saw it at convention – gorgeous!) 

I know I want one!   Blessings Everyone!